Diet for Rectal Cancer Radiation with Chemo

Welcome to Connect, @blueskyflyer
Good question to ask about diet recommendations as you prepare for radiation and chemotherapy with Xeloda. I'm tagging fellow members @coliemore @travelgirl @soul and @mikendale who may have some insights for you. While we wait for others to respond, you might be interested in reading these discussions:
- Xeloda https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/xeloda/
- Dietary Changes Before and After Colon Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dietary-changes-before-and-after-colon-cancer/
- Healthy diets for cancer patients https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/healthy-diets-for-cancer-patients/

Additionally, you may want to join Mayo Clinic experts for an upcoming video Q&A called "Cancer-Fighting Foods" on Thu, Aug 23, 2018 at 12:00pm CT. You can post your questions and watch the Video Q&A here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/cancer-fighting-foods/

BlueSkyFlyer, are you have radiation and chemo at the same time or one after the other?

Hello! My Mom has constipation so often after the colonrectal surgery. Fortunately, she did not have to go for Chemo and Radiation. So that she is very careful with the food. She does not eat meat much. She tried to avoid red meat, processed meat, oily and spicy stuff. She eats more of green vegetable and fish a lot. She eats beans, eggs and fresh fruits and the food which has a lot of fiber. It is hard for her when she gets constipation. She is 80 years now and so grateful she is free of cancer. I would suggest something light which melts easily to digest. Please also seek advice from your doctor. Oatmeal for breakfast and yogurt with mixed berries are good. It depends on individual as well. I have seen some patients who have gone through Chemo and Radiation, they menioned that they don’t Feel like eating. They lost appetite and throw up for the first chemo. They later can eat slowly to overcome the chemo treatment, Hope this helps and I will be praying for you. Best, Soul

Thank you Colleen. Im am directed to take a nausea tablet 1/2 hour before the Xeloda and to take the Xeloda with food.
12 hours later I am to repeat that. I am also supposed to have an empty colon for the radiation.
Thats what I dont understand. When do I eat for the medication and also have an empty colon/ rectum. Enemas possibly, but for 5 days aweeks and for 6 weeks?

Thank you Soul. Im so glad that your Mom didnt have to go through more treatment than the surgery. That was enough I'm sure!
I have been taking prune juice mixed with hot water, and Calms magnesium at night, walking daily, keeping hydrated, and sometimes Sennacot or Senna Capsules. Slippery Elm capsules and warm milk with 2 teaspoons of Ghee, both at night has also been recommended to me.

@blueskyflyer I had surgery for my colon cancer and just having that a little over 2 1/2 yrs ago. It has taken quite some time to get back to normal. Learning how to eat properly so your not bloated,constipated or diarrhea. The body takes a long time adjust.
I did a little search for a diet for you. I found this diet recommendation from a hospital in San Francisco you want to follow. It covers a lot in detail.
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/diet_for_cancer_treatment_side_effects/
This may give some ideas of foods to avoid or to eat..
Do you mind posting how you are doing from time to time. It will be nice to follow and share your progress with others.

I wish you the best
Jackie

@blueskyflyer that does sound confusing. You might wish to ask your nurse coordinator about the conflict in the recommendations to take Xeloda with food, but have an empty colon for radiation. It is possible that you may have to have a daily enema, but only your radiation oncologist will know for certain. When do you start treatment? Do you have a number to call or access to a online patient portal to get answers from your care team to your questions?